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Are Christians required to tithe?: Difference between revisions

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Are Christians required to tithe? (view source)

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'''The ominous question “Will a man rob God?” was quoted by William Branham.''' But it has also been plastered on bulletins, offering envelopes, and sermon titles in many non-message evangelical churches.  William Branham taught that tithing was required of all Christians:
'''The ominous question “Will a man rob God?” was quoted by William Branham.''' But it has also been plastered on bulletins, offering envelopes, and sermon titles in many non-message evangelical churches.  William Branham taught that tithing was required of all Christians:


:''Every Christian should pay tithes!<ref>William Branham, 61-0723E - God Being Misunderstood, para. 112</ref>


Obviously, no one wants to be guilty of robbing God. However, the issues are not as straightforward as some would suggest.
Also, while they may deny it, pastors bring a significant amount of bias and self-interest to the question.


 
While it is commonly agreed that the OT food laws and the OT practice of circumcision do not carry over into the NT era, William Branham brought some other OT laws such as tithing and dress into the new covenant. This article will look at the general issue of giving in the New Testament as well as both sides of this issue of tithing.  Our research is primarily based on two articles by Andreas J. Köstenberger (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) which appeared in the 2006 edition of the Bulletin for Biblical Research.<ref>Andreas J. Köstenberger and David A. Croteau, “‘Will a Man Rob God?’ (Malachi 3:8): A Study of Tithing in the Old and New Testaments,” ed. Craig A. Evans, Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, p. 53 and Andreas Köstenberger, “Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 237.</ref>
 
Obviously, no one wants to be guilty of robbing God. However, the issues involved are considerably more complex than many sermons on the subject may suggest. The question of whether or not believers today are to give at least ten percent of their income involves issues such as the continuity or discontinuity between the Testaments; the extent to which the Mosaic Law is still applicable to believers in the new covenant period; the relationship between the OT and NT at large; and the nature of progressive revelation and salvation history.
 
While it is commonly agreed that the OT food laws and the OT practice of circumcision do not carry over into the NT era, there is less consensus on other OT practices such as tithing. In an attempt to adjudicate the question of whether or not all NT believers are required to give ten percent or more of their income today, we will study all the relevant references to tithing in the OT and NT and assess the applicability of this practice to NT believers in light of some of the larger issues mentioned above. We will also discuss NT principles for giving that are in effect whether or not they involve giving ten percent of one’s income.<ref>Andreas J. Köstenberger and David A. Croteau, “‘Will a Man Rob God?’ (Malachi 3:8): A Study of Tithing in the Old and New Testaments,” ed. Craig A. Evans, Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 53–54.</ref>
 
William Branham taught that tithing is a biblical requirement for Christians today and many pastors outside of the message would agree with him.  But there are also many biblical scholars and, in fact, entire denominations, who teach that tithing is not a command that can be found in the New Testament.  This article will look at both sides of this issue and is based primarily on two articles by Andreas J. Köstenberger (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) which appeared in the 2006 edition of the Bulletin for Biblical Research.<ref>Andreas J. Köstenberger and David A. Croteau, “‘Will a Man Rob God?’ (Malachi 3:8): A Study of Tithing in the Old and New Testaments,” ed. Craig A. Evans, Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, p. 53 and Andreas Köstenberger, “Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 237.</ref>


=What does the New Testament teach?=
=What does the New Testament teach?=
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Each one of the principles above is associated with our relationship with God. Far from being “emotional and mystical theology,” these sound principles from the teaching of Paul will greatly test and grow our faith and dependence upon him. Rather than quibble over some of the questions concerning tithing, we should ask, “How can I manage my affairs so that I can give more?”
Each one of the principles above is associated with our relationship with God. Far from being “emotional and mystical theology,” these sound principles from the teaching of Paul will greatly test and grow our faith and dependence upon him. Rather than quibble over some of the questions concerning tithing, we should ask, “How can I manage my affairs so that I can give more?”


Giving our resources to aid the ministry of God should not be viewed as burdensome. According to Blomberg, “Christian giving is a gift from the grace of God, which he enables Christians to exercise.” With the proper perspective, the more one gives, the more joy one can find in giving.
Giving our resources to aid the ministry of God should not be viewed as burdensome. With the proper perspective, the more one gives, the more joy one can find in giving.


Many tithe supporters seem to assume that those arguing against tithing are simply trying to find a way to keep more of their money. Many assume that those who do not believe in the tithe are giving less than ten percent. This assumption is completely false.
Many tithe supporters seem to assume that those arguing against tithing are simply trying to find a way to keep more of their money. Many assume that those who do not believe in the tithe are giving less than ten percent. This assumption is completely false.


The standard Paul exhorts us to follow is actually a more stringent one than the traditional tithe. Research has shown that even in churches where tithing is taught, church members are giving less than ten percent.  It may be possible that the teaching of tithing actually causes at least some people to give less. Many do not take into consideration that the motivation for not teaching tithing is one of faithfulness to Scripture, not greed.  Our giving is not optional, and it should not “depend on our whim or personal feeling.… [T]he basis of our giving should be our love and devotion to God, in gratitude for His inestimable gift to us.”<Ref>Andreas Köstenberger, “Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 258–260.</ref>
The standard Paul exhorts us to follow is actually a more stringent one than the traditional tithe. Research has shown that even in churches where tithing is taught, most church members give less than ten percent.  It may be possible that the teaching of tithing actually causes at least some people to give less.  
 
Our motivation for disagreeing with the teaching of tithing is simply one of faithfulness to Scripture, not greed.  Our giving is not optional, and it should not depend on our whim or personal feeling. The basis of our giving should be our love and devotion to God, in gratitude for His inestimable gift to us.<Ref>Andreas Köstenberger, “Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 258–260.</ref>
 
We will first discuss what the Bible has to say about tithing and then discuss what the New Testament teaches us about giving.


==Tithing in the New Testament==
==Tithing in the New Testament==
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